Awareness and appreciation for one’s natural environment are the first, crucial steps in becoming actively involved in efforts to improve it. We will use $15,000 to produce a tool to help natural resource professionals, seasoned river lovers, and especially newcomers learn about the Minnesota River and ways they can make it better, and ensure a safe environment for recreational users. The app will be the next step in a recently reinvigorated effort to restore the Minnesota River. The process started with the production of the film documentary River Revival: Working Together to Save the Minnesota River that appeared in prime time on KARE 11 TV on June 12, 2011, and the launching of the revised and expanded MN River Basin Data Center website operated by the Water Resources Center (WRC) at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The MN River Map App will greatly enhance the experience of people who are out exploring the Minnesota River Basin and enable users to share in real-time their discoveries and concerns with others. The app, which will operate on smart phones, will be a mobile version of the interactive map that appears on http://mnriver.net – the main information portal for the Minnesota River Basin. The WRC serves as a regional center for environmental research and information exchange, providing coordination for the two citizen groups (Minnesota River Board and Minnesota River Watershed Alliance) to bring attention to the basin. Users will be able to identify watershed boundaries… locate water access points and other public spaces… monitor real-time river conditions… all in a familiar Google Map interface. They will be able to learn and understand water issues affecting the state’s namesake river along with sharing what they discover. Users will be able to post stories, photos, videos and much more on the app. Importantly, the app will make it easy for users to access current water-flow conditions to help make decisions for paddling rivers in the basin.

A broad range of people already are involved in the effort to restore and protect the Minnesota River. This includes paddlers, farmers, anglers, government staff, elected officials, American Indian communities, schools and universities, nonprofit organizations and citizens of all ages. The MN River Map App will be useful to all these community members and enable us to expand our community to include thousands more people who have not yet become involved in helping restore the Minnesota River.

The Minnesota River Basin comprises about 20% of the State of Minnesota. Over 700,000 (2000 Census Estimate) people live in the Minnesota River Basin along with many more who travel through the area and work here. This basin is also part of the larger Mississippi River Basin from its confluence with the Minnesota River to Lake Pepin with the 2.8 million people who make their home in the Metro Area (2008 Estimate).

The river and its tributaries are used as receiving bodies of water for the drainage of agricultural lands, industrial facilities, treated wastewater, and urban storm water. As a result, the Minnesota River is one of the most polluted rivers in the state and even the nation, as it negatively impacts the Mississippi River all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Impairments of the Minnesota River and its tributaries include phosphorus, sediment, nitrogen, and fecal coliform bacteria. Despite the pollution, the Minnesota River and its tributaries are used recreationally for fishing, canoeing, bird watching, and community events such as the Franklin Catfish Derby, Montevideo’s River Rendezvous, and New Ulm’s River Blast. A restored Minnesota River would immeasurably enhance these recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.